any advice to moving more into a more machinery based role in forestry coming from domestic arb and landscaping

[JLA1990]

2 hours ago, DJM Tree said:

perfect thanks for the input. ive currently got a tracked chipper thats not making enought money so i planning on selling that and using it as a deposit but maybe get rid hire stuff for a while see whats making money then buy. i was thinking of going larger than avant but im already pretty much set up for that  kind of work with a hilux and large trailer. probably a better starting place realistically to build from  

 

just out of intrest have you done this you self and who was your target client ? other firms or larger domestic stuff ?

 

 

As you've touched on start small, get a feel for what's needed in your area (unless you want to travel) and build from that. As the two guys above have mentioned its far easier to fill a week if you're flexible and can keep overheads low (trailering around your own kit etc) sourcing out to other contractors can work but because interest rates were so low everyone and their dog has kit now hence the 'find your own clients' comment. I have never worked in domestic, previously ran a company but stepped away end of last year and am now in the throws of deciding what i want to do (i have set up another company), its becoming very appealing to stay small and become an owner operator however i would likely buy a 14t excavator but i have an old client base i can turn to. i would really hold off with something like a wtc as some of the day rates I've been quoted recently I'm not sure how they're making money, plenty of margin for me to just pm jobs and subby everyone in at the current rates of larger machinery (food for thought)

[slack ma girdle]

The problem with larger machinery is moving it. Do you have access to lorry or tractor to move it?

Relying on other people is a pain and expensive

I would be weary speculating about possible work and outlaying large amounts of money with loans.

You would probably be better off mechanising what you know.

[doobin]

12 hours ago, JLA1990 said:

but because interest rates were so low everyone and their dog has kit now

Hey! I represent that comment! 😝

 

😂😂

[JLA1990]

8 hours ago, doobin said:

Hey! I represent that comment! 😝

 

😂😂

I love dogs! 
 

You could buy the new prinoth raptor 100, I think you’d get loads of work trading off the novelty alone (first & only one in the country).